A beloved gathering space for older adults on the Treasure Coast is preparing to close its doors, leaving many local seniors searching for answers and holding onto their sense of community. The Council on Aging of St. Lucie has confirmed that its primary senior center, located at 1505 Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce, is slated for closure. The property is currently on the real estate market, listed for $2.2 million.
For nearly a decade, local seniors have relied on this facility not just for essential services, but for the profound bonds of friendship. Many regular attendees, such as 77-year-old Sandy Pietrewicz, were caught off guard by the news, expressing deep concerns over losing a dedicated space right in their own neighborhood. Residents have emphasized that they strongly desire access to community services close to home, without having to leave the immediate Fort Pierce area.
The impending closure of the Fort Pierce senior center highlights a significant transition for Treasure Coast seniors, as local services prepare to relocate to Port St. Lucie following the anticipated $2.2 million sale of the current Orange Avenue property.
In response to the community’s understandable worries, the Council on Aging has offered reassurances that the standard of care and support will not diminish. Trekina Smith, a representative for the organization, emphasized that while the location is changing, the love, treatment, and daily meals provided to the seniors will remain exactly the same.
Once the Fort Pierce property officially sells, attendees will be transitioned to the organization’s alternate facility located on Bayshore Boulevard in neighboring Port St. Lucie. To help ease the burden of this regional relocation and address concerns about accessibility, the organization has promised to provide dedicated transportation to the new facility.
Despite the change in venue, seniors can expect the continued provision of the following essential programs:
- Nutritious Meals: Daily food services and communal lunches will carry over to the new Port St. Lucie location without interruption.
- Social Activities: A full calendar of events designed to foster friendship, support, and mental engagement will remain available.
- Dedicated Transportation: Transit options will be organized to ensure Fort Pierce residents can safely and reliably reach the new Bayshore Boulevard center.
While an official closing date has not yet been established due to the pending nature of the property sale, operations at the Orange Avenue center are continuing as normal for the time being. Change is often difficult, especially when it involves a cherished community pillar, but local officials are committed to ensuring that St. Lucie County’s older adults continue to receive the vital care and connection they deserve during this transition.
